The Opening 

October 2nd marked the 100th anniversary to the day of the start of teaching at Spring Hill Primary School in Accrington.

Town crier Roland Hailwood announced that the centenary celebrations were open and festivities began with a gala and autumn fair.

Past and present pupils were joined by staff and friends to mark the milestone and the fun continued throughout the week at the Exchange Street school.

The Boys Brigade band introduced the event and then the gala was opened by the Mayor of Hyndburn Councillor Bernard Dawson. Entertainment from  the Ossy Cloggers and Comet Morris dancers followed.

A Queen Victoria double also dropped in to launch an exhibition titled 'The Life and Times of Spring Hill School 1899 to 1999'

The exhibition was in the form of a time tunnel around the main hall and featured news related to the events recorded in the school log book for the past century. Photographs from the school archives and many loaned from past pupils were a centre of attention.

The photograph (from the Hyndburn Citizen) shows from left to right - The town crier, the Mayor, Judie Mortimer (school secretary), Doreen Lord (Queen Victoria), Claire Calverley (Carnival Queen), the Mayoress (Frances Malloy) and Headteacher, Stephanie Grimshaw

 

The Reunion

On Tuesday 5th October a reunion of former pupils and staff was held.  Wine and cheese were available but the guests were more interested in meeting old friends and reminiscing.  The exhibition time tunnel, photographs, written memories and emails were a centre of attention.  Former pupils had sent in examples of their work in the form of exercise books, embroidery and needlework.

Three long serving teachers who attended were given a special mention in the Headteacher's address.  These were Mary Hindle, Florence Kellet and Muriel Sutcliffe who, in total, served 119 years at Spring Hill. 

The visitor's book recorded around 200 former pupils and staff by the end of the week though many did not sign in on the opening day as it was so busy!.

The photograph from the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, shows (from left to right) Former staff members Muriel Sutcliffe, Mary Hindle, with Headteacher Stephanie Grimshaw, former pupil Ethel Breckall, and former teachers Dorothy Taylor and Florence Kellet.